Say hello to hemp

There's no denying it, cannabis beauty products are on the rise. We know what you're thinking, and, no, these items are not gonna get you high. Hemp barely contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the chemical with psychoactive effects. Instead, it has an abundance of Cannabidiol (CBD) and this compound has been found to be rich in antioxidants and beneficial in fighting skin inflammation like acne. Additionally, hemp seed oil is also a rich source of vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Because of these amazing skin benefits, beauty brands have been recently infusing their products with hemp or hemp seed. One of the first ones to do so is The Body Shop, who released an entire line of hemp skincare which included a hand cream and hydrating lotion.

Several upcoming beauty brands have also been using hemp as one of their key ingredients in some of their popular products. For example, Krave Beauty used hemp seed oil in their bestselling Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser because of its essential amino acids, linoleic acid content and antibacterial properties.

You can also find hemp-derived cannabis oil in makeup products like in Milk Makeup's Kush Mascara, where it's serves as a hydrating agent to condition the lashes. Such a versatile ingredient!

And if you think that hemp is just a hippie ingredient that's used by nature-oriented and young brands, you're wrong. Even household names in skincare have decided to join the green movement. Eve Lom released their star product called Radiance Face Oil that contains hemp seed oil in its blend.

Origins has also launched the Hello, Calm Relaxing & Hydrating Face Mask, which has gained rave reviews from beauty vloggers.

But arguably, what cemented hemp's reputation as a beneficial skincare ingredient rather than a recreational chemical is when heritage brand Kiehl's released their Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate.

You may wonder why we're only hearing about this promising skincare ingredient now and the answer is fairly obvious. For decades, hemp has been taboo due to its similarities to the marijuana plant. But the good news is, this misconception is slowly fading away. This coming January, hemp farming will be legal in the United States. And to the beauty community, that means we can expect more competitive hemp-based skincare and makeup product releases from various brands soon.

Mesmerise in metallics

If this year is all about shimmers and glitters, what could be the next big makeup trend, you ask? We're betting on frosts and metallics. Master your ice queen look with Marc Jacobs Beauty's latest collection, Leopard Frost. The brand-new collection includes the Eye-Conic Frost Eyeshadow Palette that features a mix of frosty finishes and creamy mattes and metallic lamé shades. There will also be five new frosty shades of the well-loved Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick.

The Leopard Frost collection will be available online at Sephora Singapore from 10 January 2019, and in Sephora stores from 17 January 2019. Watch the video to see swatches of these high-impact makeup products.

Press the “revive” button

The presents have been given, the lists have been checked, and the merriment has simmered down. After all the hustling during the holidays, what’s next? Some well-deserved pampering and rejuvenation, of course. It’s time to put the focus back on yourself after you’ve treated all your loved ones during the season of giving. But you’re still a busy girl, and the activities can’t be elaborate. So here are easy ways you can revive your energy after all the rush.

Stretch it out

There’s nothing quite like rejuvenating your muscles than stretching them out. It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert at yoga or not. Some stretching exercises can not only help relieve your muscles from strain due to too much walking (for holiday shopping) or dancing but the endorphins released when you move your body can actually calm your mind. The best part? You can do it in between other activities.

A refreshing me-time

We’re all familiar with the feeling of a nice shower after a long, hard day. So it’s only right that you indulge yourself in this relaxing activity. But kick it up a notch by treating your olfactory senses and your hair — yes, at the same time. The hair, although our crowning glory, is often overlooked. A relaxed state of mind with refreshed hair is a combo you definitely deserve.

Envelop your senses with the refreshing scents of coconut, cucumber and green tea as you nourish your tresses with the Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner and the Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Cucumber Green Tea Shampoo and Conditioner.

The products from the Herbal Essences Bio:Renew line are formulated with a signature blend of essential antioxidants, aloe and sea kelp that brings hair back to life in just 21 days.

Do a digital cleanse

We all have this urge to constantly be “on.” Having smartphones has made so many things in our lives easy and effortless, but we just have to turn it off sometimes. Scrolling through social media as a way to get sleepy is an excuse many of us make. You’ve already done a lot of coordinating and tech-involved planning during the holidays, so you owe yourself some digital detox. Put your phone away two hours before you doze off and you’ll find yourself more energetic in the morning.

Think green

Surrounding yourself with greens is one way to revive your senses. If you haven’t tried or are scared to do so, now’s the time to finally cultivate a green thumb. Get yourself a plant; it doesn’t have to be grand. A little pot of succulent can do just the trick. Spending time in nature, and nurturing one member of it can not only give you more time to do mindful thinking but also a sense of pride and accomplishment for keeping something well and robust.

The Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner and the Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Cucumber Green Tea Shampoo and Conditioner are now exclusively available at Guardian Singapore.